When Rigoberto Urán was racing, he wasn’t just known for his attacking flair and podium finishes, he was a social media phenomenon. The Colombian amassed a following that dwarfed even the likes of Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel. His charisma, humour, and warmth towards fans made him one of the sport’s most beloved figures. And that hasn't changed since he stepped off of the bike either.
Now retired, Urán hasn’t stepped away from the spotlight. He remains highly active online, regularly sharing content that blends cycling culture with his trademark humour. At the recent Purito Rodríguez Gran Fondo, he posted a light-hearted video on his TikTok account alongside a fellow Spanish cyclist. In it, the pair jokingly urge current pros to hang up their wheels and embrace the more relaxed life of post-retirement sportives.
“This is the life we deserve. This is a very important message to all the cyclists who want to retire, to my friend and the other friend, don't think about it anymore, come with us , don't keep chasing Pogacar, don't keep chasing Vingegaard, don't chase Remco, leave him, come, come here. This is the cycling I've been looking for.”
It’s easy to wonder: was that playful nudge aimed at old rivals like Chris Froome or Nairo Quintana? Urán doesn’t name names, but the message is clear. There's life beyond WorldTour pressure, and it looks like a lot more fun.
ATENCIÓN: "Rigoberto Urán envía un mensaje a Nairo y a Froome" Rigo que se encuentra en Andorra con Joaquim ‘Purito’ Rodríguez, aprovechó para enviar un saludo y un curioso mensaje a Nairo, a Froome, y para todos los ciclistas que se quieren retirar.🤪🤣 https://t.co/QB3XaXqqDc pic.twitter.com/8cfim0LCRY
— ⚡MazaCiclismo⚡ (@RuedaPedal) June 19, 2025
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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- many people advise him to grow slowly and rather do giro and/or vuelta instead of tdf. but i can totally understand that he is not satisfied with taking over once pogi declines, but instead beat him in his prime. so if he goes for tdf again, i‘m all for it. let‘s hope that pogi recovers soon!Ketterechts07-11-2026
- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Yep, next we’ll be accusing F1 drivers of avoiding Le Mans.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- But on what is that opinion based? Are you holding him to a different standard than others? Are you saying he should do learn to like something he doesn’t Are you saying he hasn’t achieved enough Are you saying he pretends to be better than his results? It’s actually a really strange opinion to oust if you consider it objectively or rationally. Try applying it to others or yourself by asking if not EVERYONE should then be doing more? Nobody in athletics or swimming gets criticism for not expanding their repertoire when a rival or someone else does. In fact, most who move to another event get accused of running from their rival. Opinions are boring, the reasons behind them are what count.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- for a medical chief to throw things like is just bad. There are already radios which were banned for spectacle. allow radios. Gps trackers are not a complete solutionabstractengineer07-11-2026
- Yeah man...PogiSloFans07-11-2026
- any rider less than 25 whether they are really ready for the position of leadership of GT is probably not the case. I think Pogi himself suffered when he was defeated by Jonas in the TDF twice. But that would be the team's job to ensure support so that they can bounce back. It requires a team and time to get back up and win after getting knocked down.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I'm very glad he got the big late Quickstep Vuelta win and I hope he has a few left for Euskaltel-Euskadi.flyer07-11-2026
- My memories of Ivan Basso aren't good but I liked his sister Elisa ok.flyer07-11-2026
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